What is it?
Numbered Heads is a strategy that can build off of the idea of the Think/Pair/Share. This instructional strategy helps build accountability within the group, and gives students a chance to rehearse their responses.
How does it work?
1. Get students into groups (four is ideal, but you can be flexible).
2. Have students number off (1, 2, 3, 4).
3. Pose question(s) to class.
4. Students within each group discuss question and/or work together to formulate an answer.
5. Teacher calls out a number from 1 - 4 (can be the same # for all groups or you can choose a new number for each group).
6. That student responds to the question with the group's response.
(7. Teacher can pose more than one question to the group and have a different "number" respond to that question).
How much time does it take?
Just like Think/Pair/Share this can be a short or long activity. It is best, though, when it is structured with time limits so the students work efficiently and stay on task.
What does this look like?
Take a look at this Numbered Heads Example for an idea of how it can work in a classroom. This is an example in an elementary school, but it can be easily adapted for any grade.
What is it?
Numbered Heads is a strategy that can build off of the idea of the Think/Pair/Share. This instructional strategy helps build accountability within the group, and gives students a chance to rehearse their responses.
How does it work?
1. Get students into groups (four is ideal, but you can be flexible).
2. Have students number off (1, 2, 3, 4).
3. Pose question(s) to class.
4. Students within each group discuss question and/or work together to formulate an answer.
5. Teacher calls out a number from 1 - 4 (can be the same # for all groups or you can choose a new number for each group).
6. That student responds to the question with the group's response.
(7. Teacher can pose more than one question to the group and have a different "number" respond to that question).
How much time does it take?
Just like Think/Pair/Share this can be a short or long activity. It is best, though, when it is structured with time limits so the students work efficiently and stay on task.
What does this look like?
Take a look at this Numbered Heads Example for an idea of how it can work in a classroom. This is an example in an elementary school, but it can be easily adapted for any grade.